“It’s really super exciting to see us loud and proud,” said Touro College Student Baila Weisberger.

For her, being surrounded by so many people for the lighting of the first candle of Hanukkah was not only great fun — she found it especially meaningful to celebrate Jewish traditions and culture with so many people having grown up in New Jersey — a short distance from where three innocent people were shot dead at a kosher grocery store less than two weeks ago.

“Especially in recent times, with the Jersey City shooting very close to all our hearts, it’s really important that we see all of the good that happens and how everybody really loves each other and people are good,” said Weisberger.

The rise in anti-semitism citywide and across the nation weighed on many people’s minds Sunday night at this gathering in Midtown, which organizers say was attended by thousands.

But they refused to let it stop them from enjoying the start of the eight-day Festival of Lights.

“Unfortunately, there’s a lot of spiritual darkness, a lot of hate in the world and we have to try to dispel that.”

“We’ve had a hotbed of anti-semitism right here in NYC and I thought it was important to make sure I come out to celebrate with…our family, to celebrate light over darkness,” said Public Advocate Jumaane Williams.

Hanukkah commemorates the Jews having only one day's worth of oil in the temple, and it lasting eight days.

The rabbi who presided over the lighting ceremony in Midtown from 36 feet described the incredible feeling of looking down and seeing such a large turnout in light of so many tragic events.

“The entire crowd was like one, and they were united like one. And they were on fire! And it was a pleasure,” said Rabbi Shmuel Butman of the Lubavitch Youth Organization.

At 36 feet and 4,000 pounds, organizers said this Menorah is the largest in the world. And they are hopeful that the bright light it gives off lights up a path of hope and tolerance.